Brazil pipped Spain on penalties in the final four years ago on home turf to wrest the title from the European champions. They will present a tough challenge for Portugal, who fell in the last eight at UEFA Futsal EURO 2012 and have not beaten Brazil in 18 encounters, though the sides drew twice last year. Asian champions Japan, where Portugal's key man Ricardinho plays his club futsal, and Africa's title holders Libya make up Group B.

Spain, fresh from taking their fourth straight continental crown in February, will start their campaign, just as in 2008, against ten-time Asian champions Iran; the teams played out a thrilling 3-3 draw in Brazil. Panama and Morocco are also in their section.

Russia, so close to overcoming Spain in the Futsal EURO final, have among their opponents the Solomon Islands, whom they defeated by a record 31-2 scoreline in 2008 en route to the semis. The other members of the European contingent, the Czech Republic and debutants Serbia, are together with Egypt and Kuwait in Group E.

The tournament will be held in three Bangkok venues and one in Ratchasima. The top two in each group and the four best third-placed sides will advance to the knockout phase.

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